Spooky Shak: What is she up to now?

So I watched the movie “300” on Sunday in addition to going to church. Truthfully, I was looking for a few answers from both. The Spartan King decides to choose a path best fitting for a man that honors freedom. Sure it didn’t meet the rules and regulations of his kingdom. But it kinda makes you ask the question. Is there a higher set of rules and laws than what governs our present society? Hmmmm Nothing in life is set in stone, not even laws. One day the law says Blacks can’t vote. Then time progresses, people progress and the law changes with that progression. This world is forever in flux, forever becoming something more.


But I digress. What I admired about the King was his resolve. He made a decision and for better or worse he went ALL IN. Sometimes I feel like that’s where the magic is. We gotta find a way to go “all in”. Church complimented that theme and talked about being bold and free to accomplish what we really want to accomplish. Actually, being free to accomplish what our soul wants, not necessarily what we want. The Rev went on to say that most of us are living lives based on a manual that was scripted by our parents, teachers and loved ones. And while most of their advice is based in love; it may not be fitting for who we are destined to be. That was an eye opener.

He talked about our soul wanting to break free. It wants to express more creativity, more love, and more power. I knew what he was talking about. I felt like he was talking directly to me, like somehow I had been found out. All of a sudden, I felt very uncomfortable. The sermon brought me face to face with my present dilemma. Should I create my own creative content and develop something from scratch OR should I fit myself into someone else’s dream? It’s actually really simple. Some people excel at fitting into a role that’s already created. Many lawyers, doctors, actors and teachers accomplish this by excelling in the industries and systems that are already in present reality. And then you have the outliers. There is the lawyer that takes on a case that’s deemed unfit for his profession because it may change a present day law. There is the doctor that creates an instrument that uses music to heal ailments and the research defies present day modes of thinking about medicine. How about the actor that creates his own show that challenges our notion of sexuality and goes on to travel the world’s stages? And finally, there’s the teacher that dreams up another solution to the systematic problems plaguing American education.

Truthfully…in church that morning. I knew like I knew like I knew the answer. It’s always been there. I found it very young when I would turn my mother’s living room floor into a craft factory with glitter and Valentine’s cards working wee hours into the morning. I didn’t want the store bought cards. They were soooo unoriginal. Oh but I have tried MY DAMNEST to blot out AUTHENTICITY. This society screams out BE THE SAME, BE MEDIOCRE, BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU SEE. Why was I born a dreamer? Actually, I think we’re all born dreamers. That’s why we’re here. But only a few of us will persist to make our dreams become reality. Sure I had met a few of the weirdoes, there was Mrs. Dorn, Kanye West, and my friend’s father Shuki Levy. But why did I have to go down this same path? Why couldn’t I just be a regular Joe or rather Jolie?

And so for the past 2 years I’ve been going back and forth. I hopped into acting/writing as if it was going to magically change my soul’s original quest. I thought perhaps by being in an artistic field where I could play “artist” I could settle this uneasiness within my spirit. But it’s not enough. I can’t do what other actors do. I can’t just fit into a script and go out for any audition. No, that will not do. My “self” is getting impatient. It’s has had enough of my antics. No, I have to create something that’s not here. I have to find a way to change something. BREAK THE CODE! When I was a teacher, I created my own curriculum. When I was in the music industry, I couldn’t just be a “music employee”. I brought in artists, Tyga was one of them, and a studio was created in my house. I’ve TRIED VERY HARD TO FIT IN…TO KEEP THE STATUS QUO BUT I’M A DIFFERENT PATTERN. I can’t help but create different outcomes. My FORMULA is not here. It just isn’t. This is why I am here…it’s why we’re all here. We have a task to create what hasn’t been created yet on the physical plane. There I’ve said it. I have finally said it. No more trying to break into the systems. I’m going to create another one.

Shak
100.

Right Here, Right Now...

I almost wanted to cry...or shout...or scream....to someone, anyone...And when I got the news that the music video I was supposed to Direct was canceled, I was in the worst wall to wall traffic that I had ever seen on main and side streets in all of LA.  Having to sit in that traffic forced me to really think about what this meant to my life.  The artist was cool.  He had other things that he had to devote his time to so, although he really wanted to do the video he was ok because he had other things he'd done to help propel himself forward.  After a few minutes and I am proud to say it was only a few, I was able to see how fortunate I was to be where I was.  I was able to get a place here to stay when I first moved out, my current apartment was all but handed over to me, I was gifted a car after almost 2 years of renting cars to work, I never had to get a "real" job....  My life out here hasn't been easy, by any means, all the same...if I was supposed to move back to Atlanta, I would have done so by now.  I haven't gotten every single thing that I've wanted, per se, but every single thing that I needed.  And like that traffic forced me to take time to think, not being able to do that video forced me to take a sec to see clearly.  I have no idea what the silver lining is just yet, although I'm sure it will become apparent soon enough.  I am basking in the knowledge that I was protected.  

There is a daily encouragement that I read that states, to paraphrase, every prayer will be answered the key is to keep your focus on your goal.  Even if it takes time, use that time to reflect on yourself and see what else, what more you could be and do.  When it does come to fruition it will be in a form greater than you had ever hoped.  So, that's where I am.  I decided that I had to make sure I continued to beat on my craft and make myself the best that I can be.  Last night I put in more pages on my screenplay and that made me feel like a winner.  Maybe I have to soley put out my own works?  I am working on another short short with Maya & Sakinah.  Shak has a fantastic idea I cannot discuss for fear of some penalty worse than death.  lol  So things are definitely coming up...this is all an opportunity as opposed to an obstacle.

When I was driving and noticed the streets were just blocked off and there wasn't an accident (thankfully) I knew something was up.  Come to find out, the traffic that put our entire city on pause last night was President Obama coming to visit.  Can't be mad at that.  Welcome to LA, Mr. President, especially because it was for a fundraiser.  Well, that traffic was there to protect him and I think this pause was given to me to protect me.  Thank you, Universe, 'preciate it.  :)

100.

Bright  

The Power of Playing Make Believe Exercise Part I.

Yesterday I received a letter from a friend who is like a lil sister to me.  She was writing about being stuck in her current environment.  She said something like, "I don't want to be in the same place as I was last year."  Often times when we feel immobile we look for others to give us words of encouragement to help us counter our inner fears.  Sometimes this works out and other times it feels like a complete DISASTER depending on the responses you receive from your friends.  Advice: (Keep positive folks around and ditch the negative unless their family)  Sorry.

Since all answers lie within, I told her about a simple but powerful exercise that was going to give her more confidence to face her fears.  I've been doing this particular exercise since age two.  LOL  The real is kids always do it but then right about the age of 13-14 it goes bye-bye.  I'm talking about the ability to play MAKE BELIEVE.  Now before I get into the exercise, let me tell you why this is MORE IMPORTANT that writing down a business plan or a list of goals that you want to achieve in life.  I'm assuming most of us want to be successful.  I doubt that we want to stay put and feel stuck.  And I would venture to say that a good majority of us have also written down goals as a means to outline our potential dreams.  Here's the problem with just writing it down.  If you don't believe that you can obtain that goal...IT AIN'T HAPPENING.  I know folks will say well if I think about it, it will come about and blah...blah...blah.  That's not how the creative process works.

First we must see our goals clearly (writing them down does help), then we must believe in them, and then and only then do they begin to take form and start to manifest.  Of course that's the super, simplified version.  What my lil sis was asking about was gaining more belief in herself in order to silence the outsiders, ie. her family.  After all faith is the only cure for fear.  The millionaire dollar question then is: How do you gain more faith?

Well most folks will tell you that if you're not born with it then you're SOL.  I don't think that's the case.  But just like with everything in life, it takes mental discipline and much practice.  In a nutshell, here is the exercise I gave her.  I used this exercise diligently to purchase my first condo without realizing it and used it for my second condo and most recently I used it to start acting with no prior experience.  Folks always ask me how is that I'm able to jump from industry to industry.  Up until now, I was hesitant to tell people for fear of ridicule (adults pretending and playing=crazy in this society).  But here is the truth.  I first see it in mind, then I play make believe, and then I take action.  VOILA!

MAKE BELIEVE: Part I.  (The Senses) 

Why is this effective?  This is for the skeptics out there who always need to know why this and why that...lol I'm one of those people.  The brain does not know the difference b/w what is real and what is pretend.  When you don't know HOW to do something, you have no choice but to pretend it.  Over time, the brain will begin to accept the make believe as REALITY.  This is why pro athletes run the race first in their mind or execute plays while day dreaming.

 The Exercise:

 Part of what makes imagining something feel real is creating the environment of the goal you desire.  The more real it becomes, the more you begin to BELIEVE that you are able to execute what you are imagining.  Pick a quiet space alone and begin, for me this means bubble bath time.

• The first step is to pick a goal.  Let's not get fancy and write 10 goals all at once, especially if you don't use your imagination on a regular basis.  If you are a "realistic type" then start with one goal.  For example:  My goal was simply to start acting on stage. 
• The second step is to create the scene in your mind.  Close your eyes and try to visualize the environment.  What does the place look like?  What does it sound like?  Who is there with you?  What do you have on while you are attempting your goal?  For example:  If your goal is to holler at a girl that doesn't know you are alive; what would you be wearing when you meet her?  The idea is to have FUUUUUUUUUUUUUN with this people.  If you start saying, "Man I would like to have on a Rolex Watch but I can't afford that", you are going in the wrong direction.  For GOODNESS SAKE you are dreaming damn it!  DREAM BIG. 
• Ahem...sorry I get worked up about this stuff.  I can't tell you how many times folks defeat themselves while day-dreaming which translates into perpetuating a lack of confidence in their reality.  This brings me to step three.  PLEASE leave your fears at the door.  You are pretending.  However, pay attention to what that little inner voice is telling you.  If it's constantly worrying you to death about money or women or your family's concerns; it is a major indicator that your predominant thoughts encompass worry.  Worry brings about more fear and fear based people in the forms of friends/co-workers who are going to push against your dreams.
• The fourth step is let go and place your self in medias res.  In Latin that means, "into the middle of affairs".  Your only requirement is to create an IDEAL circumstance.  This means actually acting out, or visualizing the scene as it plays.  This is where that little inner hater voice usually gets his/her way.  For example:  If you are trying to become an actress, you don't want to dream up a situation where you start choking on stage or falling while exiting.  However, this is what we do.  We've been programmed to create less than ideal circumstances for what we really want.  And what happens?  Our brains later tell us that it's too scary or too dangerous.  It becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.  Focus on PERFECTION when you play make believe.  If you don't know how to do it, watch kids.  Later on this year, I'm thinking about having a workshop.  I had no idea that adults had lost their ability to play until recently.   Another issue pops up when we are pretending.  We don't like looking silly in front of others.  That's fine, I suggest finding a place where you can pretend alone.  But know this...YOU should begin to believe in what you are doing as you practice over and over again.
• The fifth step is HAVE FUN!  This should feel amazing and fun like you're role playing a totally different person.  You might think, this is silly at first.  I'm never going to gain the courage to talk to that girl I really like.  But the more you rehearse it in your bedroom where no one is looking, the more confident you'll appear when it's no longer a dress rehearsal.  By the time I hit the audition for the first time, I had already done 40 scenes in my mind while soaking in the tub.  As a result I got the opportunity to play the lead.  Be bold and brave with your dreams.  Please do not limit yourself!

P.S. Let me know how playing make believe goes for you!  Good Luck!
Shak
100.

My Life's Purpose

http://www.inner-cityarts.org/who-we-are-campus.php

There was an opening article “How to Discover Your Life’s Purpose in about 20 minutes” from Steve Pavlina that I remember reading a few months ago. http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/01/how-to-discover-your-life-purpose-in-about-20-minutes/

He said in order to find your life’s purpose sit still and then write at the top of the page “What is my TRUE purpose in life”? At first most of the stuff that you write is surface crap according to him. I guess one could write things like to become a millionaire and to have plenty of women. Then your purposes may get a bit deeper like to become an actress, to be a director, or to be a librarian. But after awhile if you force yourself to keep asking the question, it will APPEAR…it’s the purpose that makes you cry uncontrollably. It sounded interesting enough but I never got around to actually taking the test but…

This morning I got a text from http://www.idealist.org/. Dope website BTW. And as part of the text message they send 2-3 job postings per day. One of which was a gig for an Inner City Arts Theatre Manager. Now I had no intention on applying for the job, but “Inner City Arts” peaked my interest. And when I went on their site to learn more about the organization, I spotted their headquarters. The building was BEAUTIFUL! I mean the type of design and architecture that would be featured on Kanye West’s Blog. But this wasn’t located in Beverly Hills or in Brentwood, or even in Santa Monica; it’s was located in, well, the inner city of Los Angeles. And when I imagined a scene of kids pouring into the building, I started crying. I remember the first time I saw my school's campus in Brentwood, it was beyond belief. And at my desk, the tears swelled up in my eyes, it was out of my control. Then I remembered Steve’s blog.

My life changed when my environment changed. I remember going from having bars outside my apartment's windows to driving through neighborhoods filled with mansions. But I had to travel to a whole new world to experience the beauty. Little did I know back then, that when a person changes inside so does her environment. I was a BIG dreamer even as a child.

But to dream is one thing, to set out to fulfill a life's mission is a whole 'nother thing. Thanks Steve, who knew my purpose, was so simple. It’s the purpose that makes you cry with or without your permission.

My life’s purpose:
To become the most brilliant (light-bearing) person I can be in this lifetime by helping to ignite the fire and passion in others whose light is barely flickering; to inspire “inner city youth”, the have-nots, the edge-dwellers, the outcast, the forgotten to dream beyond seeming limitations and in the process, transform barren landscapes of hopelessness to expressions of beauty and unparalleled art.
The words just came. We are here for a purpose. And it ain’t got nothing to do with your mortgage, your rims, or your iphone.

Shak
100.

I'm Inspired By: The Grind

I realize for the artist and for the creator, it’s not the final destination where the payoff resides. It’s in the pursuit…it’s in the grind itself. That’s where the inspiration is, that’s where the beauty lives.

It came to me after reading this blog by a down-to-earth casting director, Bonnie Gillespie. She’s one of the good guys, telling actors to pursue their dreams despite the objections and fierce competition. Similar to her, I find it very comforting to encourage others to follow their dreams. Oddly enough, I find it very difficult to push myself. I’m still fighting myself daily to except the call of being both artist and entrepreneur. Because the real is that it’s the actual being up on stage that feels like a million dollars to me. It’s writing this piece that feels like bliss. It’s analyzing a character and making her real that feels AMAZING. It’s the becoming, the molding and the figuring-out of what it is to be really human that is the life of an artist. To bring that sincerity and utmost level of honesty to a story, a movie, a sculpture, a business deal…to stay true to his/her GRIND. Ahhh but what about those illusive, tangible results? How are you a business man without a tangible, money-making, business?

The majority of the world gets into things when there is a clear end in mind. If you want to become a teacher, there is a coherent system in place to become a teacher. It’s the same for doctors, lawyers and even pro-athletes sort of speak. Play ball, practice, train hard and perhaps you will be given an opportunity to play pro. 2+2=4. But what about the kid who wants to share his new vision with the world? Little Billy wants to invent the Space Mobile. Sorry kid no road maps, only mentors that have left hints behind for the same path you want to create. Why? Umm because it doesn’t exist quite yet, well not in the “real” world.

It’s like when I run; I gotta know where the finish line is. But as artists, as entrepreneurs, as people traveling along paths without a clear end; we have to fall in love with the run itself. It’s like getting in a car and being told to drive. Well where and the hell am I going? What if I run out of gas before I get there? All the other cars have tangible road maps, where is mine? What if I’m not fast enough? I’m an older model, I’m already at a disadvantage; will my tires last? But there is a final destination. It resides in our hearts and minds. We can see it even if no one else can.

This is the life of the edge dwellers, the rebels, the creators of a new path, the trouble-makers, the taste makers, the trend setters, the originators, the outcast, the weirdoes, the crazies, the inventors. This blog is home for them. We want more from this world, this space and this lifetime. It’s the questions that drive us to become more. Why doesn’t this exist? Why haven’t people tried this? What about this? Why haven’t people heard this story? And we know the answer is…No one has done this before, why can’t it be me.

Don’t stop asking the questions. We need them. We need you to find the answers. Grind AWAY!

Shak
100.

I'm Inspired By: The Jump

My lil play sister called me the other day in a fret over her upcoming 27 th birthday. She was super anxious over the fact that certain things in her life were not in place. Out of all my favorite folks she's one of the most ambitious and determined out of the lot. And yet she was calling because she felt something was missing. Why? I mean after all she had bought a condo in Los Angeles, held down a pretty-damn impressive real estate gig and was rolling in a Lexus. But she said she didn't feel successful or accomplished at her present age. She wanted more. So she did what any self respecting woman would do. She left LA behind including the condo and the car and landed in D.C.

I often receive these calls from strangers, family and friends alike. It doesn't matter the time or circumstance. They call me to see if they should jump. Sometimes I think God is playing a lil trick on me, using all of these folks around me as a mirror. They're asking me if it's ok to jump and to follow their dreams despite the hard, cold facts that they make not make a dollar their first year or despite the fact that they may indeed fail. Those who have already jumped; call me on a regular to see if they should have taken the leap in the first place. Jumping is one of the most hazardous of all occupations because most simply don't do it. It's also the only way to become totally free, never locked into life's guaranteed options which leads to the path of BOREDOM. Actually, Dr. Seuss coined a much better term for the place, "the waiting place". That's what most of us are doing while we're here on Earth that is, WAITING. Taking up space, time and energy until retirement maybe, more like until death.

My sis said she was tired of living the 'LA life'. In her words LA had become reduced to window-shopping, high-glossed over people with little to no substance. OUCH! I told her that it was not necessarily LA but rather a certain mentality that we all can subscribe to from time to time. I call it the wall paper mentality. When we become consumed by the trappings of appearances. It's when we stop listening to the lil voice inside of us that wants to explore, to live and to dream. We become more intent upon living according to a prescribed plan. We're supposed to have 2.5 kids by 28 and of course be married. We're also supposed to have obtained a "respectable" job, one that pays the bills and stores a bit for retirement. Ahhhhh the all elusive retirement that will come after we've put in our "time".

But what about all the damn space in between retirement? What about our grind? It isn't the work that necessarily defines us, it's the quality of our work. And since it's damn hard to do something well that you absolutely hate; I suggest you find something that moves you, that brings you joy. I think the most dreadful disease that's spread throughout America is mediocrity. We've become content with good ol' comfort. In fact it's what we strive to gain in this lifetime. But a path only designed to bring about comfort is a straight shot to BOREDOM. And then there are those who want more...not later but NOW, like right NOW!

They're like my lil sis, just not content with the wall paper. They realize that all the glossed over things and people around them mean nothing if they are not truly LIVING. But how do you live? How can you truly get the most out of life? By never being completed.

Real living isn't about just "becoming comfortable". It's about using your God given talents to personally become more, and in the process, increasing more life and opportunities for everyone around you. Just when you think you've done enough. Your soul earns for more. This is the real reason why we want more money and more things. We really want to become MORE. It's the same for all things on this planet. The rose is designed to bloom. The catapillar becomes the butterfly. The seed becomes the tree. Why do humans think we are destined to sit around and watch TV? ARE YOU SERIOUS????????????????

Most of us are scared to become more and we look down upon those who decide that they want more from life. The only catch is the day you decide you're too afraid to start living is the day you begin to die. Most folks think death comes when the breath ceases. Look around you! There are tons of walking zombies amongst us. Folks have checked out long ago. But every once and awhile someone catches fire and becomes inspired to live again.

So I told my sis, "to hell with the Lexo and the condo and the window dressings". Be free. Listen to your heart. There will be those who frown upon your decision to become a family therapist rather than a real estate tycoon. Of course condescendingly they will say, "but you were soooo good at real estate". And she expressed her concern of not becoming a millionaire by the age of 30. I couldn't help but to start smirking a bit. We must all learn to tune out the world. I told her be weary of those who say you should think realistically, to be more reasonable. There is nothing more unreasonable then not listening to your own heart. In the end, when all is said and done. There is only you. And you can choose to play this game however and the hell you choose. She's chosen to LIVE. And I salute her.

P.S. This blog is really only meant for about 5%, no 3% of the population. Those who have jumped or those who think about it almost every day. For every one else...carry on.

Shak

100.

That Heat aka The Challenge

What I'm reading: "Stealing Fire From the Gods" - James Bonnet

"If you go through it, you come through it." - James Bonnet

What I have been afraid of for the longest were my feelings.  I hated the fact that they are so intense, that I am soooo sensitive, that you can see them all over my face.  I mean that figuratively and literally.  My face turns red if I'm happy, sad or pissed.  I have spent so many years trying to hide and disguise them that it is only fitting that at this stage of my life and my career I am forced to not only deal with them but welcome them back to the forefront of everything I do.  I am working on several pieces and as I've been doing my research EVERY book tells me to listen to how I feel.  Pay attention to a negative feeling when writing because it tells you something isn't working.  Go toward that feeling, understand it and you'll come out all the better for it because your piece will be better because it the truest representation of what you want to convey.  Damn.  Really?  So, all of that crap I didn't want to deal with I have to look at head on because as I stated in "...Narcissistic", understanding me makes me better ALL the way around.

The writers, especially Bonnet, speak about really paying attention to our dreams.  Bonnet likens them to our own personal Rumpelstiltskin.  Rumpelstiltskin worked while the maiden was sleeping to make the hay into spun gold.  Our dreams are our subconscious (Rumpelstiltskin) working on our conscious problems (hay) to create solutions (gold) for us while we rest.  Fresh, right?  Sometimes I'll think that an entire idea isn't good enough because of that negative or "eh" feeling.  All it truly takes, though, is a little reworking most time to get to that "greatness" stage.  Sometimes I may have to scrap an entire piece and start again but I don't have to throw out the initial feeling.  Kind of like someone who creates music or paints.  You keep the heartbeat of the music or the color that you began with because that's the basis but the surrounding colors on the canvas or accompanying rhythms need to change.  A piece I was working on was feeling dead in the water because I couldn't see where my characters were going to or coming from after a particular scene.  I now realize that my first inspiration was the climax, I have to create the beginning for them so they'll get to that stage.  Mozeltoff!

"If you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen."- someone a long time ago

Addressing that "heat" is what makes us great.  Looking into the face of a challenge makes us actually face ourselves.  "I thought I was strong but now after going through (fill in the blank), I know I'm much stronger and better than before."  The part of me that I thought was the weakest is actually my greatest attribute.  It's how I connect with people and will get better at telling stories.  Sweet.

100.

Bright

I'm Inspired by Walt Disney

This b-day week has been Amazing! I went to Disneyland on Sunday and a Laker game on Wednesday. What could possibly be next? Best part about Disneyland was the end. When Bright and I were walking out on Main street it started to snow (fake snow of course) and the fireworks started to light up the night sky. A soft feminine voice announced over the speaker, "Happy holidays and remember to believe." I started thinking about what it means to believe in things as if you're a 6 year old walking around Disney's park for the first time. Kids don't reason about the time it takes to get on a ride or how many calories are in a damn funnel cake. All they know is that they're going to get on the rides they want to ride and live it up. Ask an adult about Disneyland and he'll usually tell you it's much smaller than he remembered, too crowded, too noisy and he's just there for the kids.

What is is about adulthood that kills our ability to look at things from a fresh perspective? Why are we no longer impressed with running around in a circle with our jacket over our head? Why can't we laugh at ourselves anymore?

I mean who and the hell wrote the book on being an adult anyways? Whoever they are, they pretty much suck. That's my best, humble opinion of course. One of my gentleman suitors gave me the greatest compliment recently about my age. Of course he didn't realize it at the time. He said, "you can't be turning 30 this year, where's the mature attitude? Shouldn't you be more worried about your bills." MUAHAHHAHAHAHHA! Umm really? I've had more bills and responsibilities than most folks my age since 16, however, I choose not to let those worries define who I am. Bills are bills are bills. I can take em or leave em. They're going to be there so why worry about them?

But how we choose to see the world is ALWAYS up to us. We decide. And up until this crazy point in my life where I finally feel kinda grown up, after all, I am 30 ish. I choose to live my life like it's brand new, exciting and an adventure. It's more fun that way, you don't know what to expect and chances are guys 10 years younger will still find you attractive. Not because you're wearing skinny jeans but because they'll actually think you're their age. Ok maybe that's the downside of this whole be-whatever-age-you-think-you-are thing. There is always a plus and a minus.

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them". ---Walt Disney

Shak

100.

Mirror Mirror On the Wall...

I must have written about 50 emails to Bright this past week entailing information about obtaining success. On our mighty quest to find the ingredients for success aka THE BLUEPRINT for dreamers; I've found that one particular flavor overpowers the entire gumbo. I've been consciously researching success for at least the past 4 years. In fact it is the main reason for this site. We wanted to discover, and share with all, the blueprint to finding one's dreams. We thought, hell if we could learn how to grow and to gain success; perhaps others out there would heed the call as well.

In the beginning I thought it was talent, that if one was talented enough they could surely become successful. Maybe one had to be born with a hidden genius that predisposed her to a particular occupation thus giving her an advantage. But after a few years in the music industry trying desperately to "put on" a music producer with superb talent; I noticed that wasn't the case. There were several talents (producers, rappers, singers) who were highly successful (meaning they had obtained their initial dreams) with marginal amounts of talent (that's subjective of course).

That led me to research work ethic, maybe in order to make it to the "top" of the pile, one had to train like a total psycho, give up all comfort and attain success THE HARD WAY. I reasoned it had to be perseverance. If one could only persevere long enough he could finally reach his goal of being a (fill in the blank). In 08, I begin training with religious-like attention, waking up at 4:30 am, running the hills of Los Angeles and torturing myself with sprinting with chains and tires. I would work after and then hit the repeat button the next day. But I started to find counter arguments to this hypothesis, there were lazy people, chillin' at the gym, and all around me who had also found a way to manifest their dreams. How in the hell could this be? They irritated me as they sipped their lattes at Starbucks.

Well maybe it was education. In order to reach a certain level of one's dream one would have to possess the faculties of higher education via experience, college, a master's program or doctorate. If one had enough knowledge than he could reach his goal of obtaining one's dream. I looked at my own situation out of desperation. The majority of my friends had obtained an advanced degree (masters/doctorate). Maybe it was time for me to take it up a notch and gain more knowledge in order to get closer to my dream. The problem was, some of them didn't even have a job let alone a dream career. Most of you know someone with several degrees that hasn't gained any ground in reaching their dreams. Kanye, is a poster boy for this argument.

Then what the hell is the secret ingredient to success? You guys have no idea of my level of exhaustion, to what extent I've tiredly studied until the wee hours in the morning seeking this answer. I've studied ancient philosophers, religious doctrines, self help gurus, rappers, poets, actors, teachers. You name them, there's a 50/50 chance I've researched their theories. I couldn't shake it, I had to find the damn answer to the riddle, assuming of course there was an answer or answers to be found. Poor Bright, sometimes I wonder how she can deal with me at all. I would call her at totally unacceptable times of the night out of sheer excitement that I had gotten a step closer; only to realize the next day that I had found a dead end.

And when I finally saw the truth, it was so familiar to me, I'm convinced I knew it but lost it along the way. I realized how the truth is so simple. It sucks that it always is...kinda makes you feel a bit dumb for spending oh I don't know 3, 5, 10 years trying to rediscover it. The truth is that when you begin to believe in your own God-given power, NO ONE...and I mean NO ONE will be able to come close to what you are capable of doing. That's it...the secret ingredient to success is the power of BELIEF. And whether you want to believe this or not, everything that you have in your current life is because you believed it was so. I know I didn't want to accept the bad stuff that was in my life; that actually is what caused me to blame others and not take personal responsibility. On the flip side, I realized I had become a teacher, a music industry analyst, a corporate trainer because I believed I could. And most recently, I've decide to become an actress...and yes, you've guessed it...I'm acting.

"What so ever ye desire when ye pray, that ye receive and it shall be given..." As a man thinketh, so he is". --Mat 21:22
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened". --Mat 7:7-11

Not to get all religious on yall, because clearly I'm not an expert on the subject but it's in almost every religous doctrine, and it's also in every get rich book, soon I believe the same truth will be proven scientifically as well. And please don't take my word for it. Spend 2, 3, 6, 10 years discovering the truth for yourself. Perhaps, you may have to in order to gain the belief. That's the next puzzle I'm trying to solve. How do you give one belief? Is it possible? You tell me. I mean people see miracles every day and still can't see.

So I don't want to hear anymore nonsense about how Soulja Boy has ruined Hip Hop, or how Tyler Perry isn't that talented or how Britney Spears is a horrible singer, or how (fill in the blank) has no reason to be where they are as an excuse to why you're where you are at currently. Talent, ultimately does not matter in terms of obtaining one's dream. Yikes! What did she just say? Of course it's wonderful when one has an amazing talent; then we can revel in the beauty, the experience, the wonder of that person's gift. But it's all subjective. What I love you might hate. So is it helpful to have talent? Of course. But necessary it is not. Wait I'm starting to sound like freakin' Yoda here. (Jedi in training baby, you best believe it). Sorry, ok talent, drive, great work ethic all play there part in becoming successful. But the key is without belief, those ingredients are powerless. I REPEAT on the loudest, imaginary bull horn that you are now listening too: Belief in and of itself will give you the ability to gain talent, to gain vision, to gain drive and finally to succeed. Now how do you begin to cultivate that inner belief? Sorry, I'm still a pedawon in training. More to come from my research.

P.S. It's gotta be a damn good day. Google has cookie monster on it. (And I love cookies) Random but not really. Become everything you want to become. Just be careful about what it is you want to become. It's simple, look around you, listen to those around you...they will tell you who you are and what you've believed this far.

Shak
100.

I'm Inspired By Shakira Gagnier

 Opening night: DJ, Tamara, Shak & Joel
 

Closing night: Me, Brandi's Dad, Tiff, Shak & Shon

Who better than your friends to inspire you?  When you are working to carve out your place, to bring that vision that you only have to life it can get a liiiiittle lonely.  When you can't find a mentor to share in this process of discovery and you get frustrated who do you talk to?  There have to be more grinders out there.  People who understand what it's like to do something different.  So, I talk to Shak.  Shak started taking acting classes last year and feel in love.  When the opportunity arose for her to be in "Shh...Quiet as Kept" she jumped at it even though it was nerve wrecking to go after something she'd never done before.  As she and I discussed at lunch today, most people assume that it's so damn easy but it isn't.  People expect you to shine but the truth is that you shine because you've made up your mind to do so.  Seriously.  You get anxious, you question whether or not you're going to be good...good enough.  And not good enough for "them" but for you.  There is a level of excellence that you hold your self to that can sometimes be paralyzing.  The fear of failure is so immense but the "not trying" kind of failure is greater.  Much much greater.  You stare that fear down and jump off the ledge...anyway.  

Like a proud papa: Shak & Larry

All Love: Shak & Kieran

Shak starred in the closing of "Shh..Quiet as Kept" October 11th, 2009.  It was another of many sold out nights for Brandi Burke's play.  It was amazing to see Shak's growth to this point.  She was great (and I mean it) her opening night and she was A-Ma-Zing closing night.  I'd heard about it before but I witnessed people being moved to tears.  She wasn't acting like her character she was being Candice and that's what got people invested in her role.  They believed her and wanted her to win, to be ok.  So much so, that after some shows audience members would come up to her to give their support regarding her "relationship" with her "father".  Ummm, she and Mr. Gagnier are cooler than a fan.  lol

What is truly inspirational is that she chose to do what she wanted.  She chose this art because it's what made sense to her spirit so, she followed that.  She didn't ask for a lot of input or for kudos for stepping out on the ledge.  She did it because she wanted to be the change she wished to see.  Shak put in countless hours of rehearsal time with the other actors and on her own.  She opened up her home on many nights as additional rehearsal space.  She gave up every weekend to rehearsal and then for every performance for months.  She accomplished this while going to work everyday.  She wanted people to see her going after something that she'd never done before and see it unfold for themselves.  And maybe through this one step of many more to come others will see that they can do it, too.  

 

 Tammy, Damani, Shak, Dawan and Dietric

 

The After Party: 

Tamara & Joel, like me, came to see the beginning and the end.

100.

Bright

Frustration

I haven't been able to sleep well for a minute now.  This morning I woke up and was still out of it, annoyed.  Got up at 3:30a to do my daily work out and was so frustrated, feeling defeated.  I've found myself feeling resentful and jealous.  Why?  Because my dreams have yet to come to fruition.  I see the people around me, those I love most doing it, being it.  But me...not so much.  I felt fraudulent.  I have all of these visions and ideas and still...nothing.  Nothing has come to life.  The webisodes that didn't pan out, different people who have flaked on projects, miscommunication and there's me.  What if this never happens?  What if I'm all talk and no show.  I can't stand those people but what if I'm one of them?  I am not a hater but I felt a disheartened part of me growing inside.  This ish is so important to me, of the utmost importance but nothing seems to be coming.  I am trying so damned hard.  Knocked on so many doors, done so much research...What am I supposed to do?  

Sitting in my trainer's car after I told him I had to leave, he talked me back down to reality.  He told me to take a deep breath and to just. breathe.  I shared my anger and frustration through tears.  Why can't I make it happen?  I'm 28 years old and feel like I have nothing to show for my love of what I aspire to do.  He told me that just like I told him a few days prior that I have to keep going.  That I have so much to be thankful for and to remember that.  He told me that I don't know the actual course of action that will take place to get me there but that place is still where I'm going.  I just have to continue to forge ahead.  He said, when they do the "True Story of..." are they gonna say "oh, she struggled for a year or 2 but everything was ok"?  That won't inspire people.  He reminded me of the people I give my love and support to, including himself.  The people I don't let fall.  He turned the mirror on me and showed me my true self.  The happy positive self, he reminded me of all that I've done and showed me that glass that wasn't half full at all.  It's nearly full.  Then, we saw a falling star.  Wow.  I had to laugh and smile. :)  

I have to fight my tendency to stress that which I don't have control over.  What I do have control over is how hard I push and for how long I'll go.  So, I'm remembering to remember that I've decided this path (or is it the path that chose me? lol).  And that I really am grateful for everything and everyone, including the people who don't want to be involved.  When I think I can't give anymore I have to go even harder.  And for how long?  Until the wheels fall of this thing.  Like Diddy circa '97 and beyond, "Can't stop, won't stop."  hahahahaha 

 

You can go hard or go home.  Choose your own adventure.

100.

Bright

My Acting Type: Good vs. Bad Girl

Ok so here it is...I'm getting a bit further in acting and I have to figure out my Type of course. It comes before head shots and agent mailers. It's essential to being cast PERIOD. They want to know when you walk in the room if they're looking at a potential killer or a sweetheart. Here's the major bummer...you ain't got a choice in it. From the moment you hit the door you're being nicely packaged in a box. But what happens if the packaging doesn't match the gift inside? YIKES! Would you seriously believe on screen a Rambo-buff looking guy if he sounds like Tyson? Wait...but...nevermind.

That's when I realized I might have a potential problem on my hands. Potentially. See from an outsiders perspective I look like I should be peddling Snuggle Softener and singing a lil lullaby about sweet dreams. I don't know if it's these damn cheeks or Puss N Boots eyes that has sentenced me to the CUTE chamber for life.

Actually, I don't mind resembling the sweet and innocent woman that you would want to bring home to Mommy. I'm actually a fairly decent human being that believes in being positive and sweet to others. Hellooooooo this site is all about inspiring others to live out their dreams. But there is just one little problem. See when you're automatically labeled the "good girl" and the chick that guys want to date because they automatically "trust" you; there is a major side affect that begins to develop. You guys know what the issue is. Those who are reliable and trustworthy often are (yep you guessed it) taken for granted. And what happens to a woman who is taken for granted bit by bit? Yahtzee!!!!

She is either broken down, abused over time and becomes the "damsel in distress"(Halle Berry is the truth at this Type) or she becomes resentful and in the worse case scenario she becomes vengeful (Think Uma Thurman in Kill Bill). "Bad girls" my friends are possibly "good girls" who have been pushed over the edge. The reason why they're deemed "untrustworthy" by men is because they no longer give a damn. Of course there are those chicks who look like they were born solely to do what they damn well please from day one (Angelina).

See, in reality (the goodie-two-shoes you want to marry and the bad a** vixens you want to...), are one in the same. They're on the same spectrum just on opposite sides. Sorry I totally digress, I was talking about my acting type (ahem). Like I was saying, I will play the Innocent Young Lady you'll bring home to mama.

Tootles.

Shakira (much sweeter than Shak don't you think?)

100.

P.S. If you don't agree with my type, then go ahead and say something about it.

P.S.S. Btw, why are guys constantly surprised by "good girls" wanting to do seemingly bad things? I never get accused of this of course but my friends email me about it. :)

Do you FEEL me?

Now that I'm half way through the performances I can attest that this is by far one of the most exciting endeavors in my life. Performing on stage is all that it is cracked up to be: anxiety-ridden, exhilarating, challenging, and timeless.

I know when I first contemplated acting, I thought that the biggest obstacle would be memorizing lines, and working with the other characters (it is difficult at times). But if you prepare hard, and know your character inside and out something magical happens. It's like the character just shows up and takes over when you hit the stage. At that point, it's not about lines, props, costume or anything technical. All that has been learned the past months is left behind, and the only thing that matters is connecting with the character which in turn helps you to connect with the audience.

We live in a time where folks are so damn HARD CORE, they've lost their ability to reach out, to feel other people around them. In fact, some of us have been taught that the ability to feel is dead weight, it's a weakness that must be obliterated as soon as humanly possible. And yet we all act surprise when we read the headline news story in which it usually goes a lil something like this: "Young boy takes the life of two other students with little to no remorse". And the public's reaction is usually appalled for a moment and then back to biz as usual until the next day.

And that's why artists are Completely necessary. They are the bullhorns sounding off when the public gets too complacent about society's problems. I remember when the Dixie Chicks took a personal stand that almost cost them their career. Sometimes artists go wayyyyyyy overboard to get our attention, sometimes they use Crazy tactics that undermine their original purpose. But they remind all of us of our humanity and how we all have a responsiblity to each other. They make us laugh when we need it most. They make us cry and heal ourselves even if it's only for an hour or two in a theatre or movie.

P.S. Art is subjective, but my goal for every piece of work that I produce is to make the viewer feel something. We got too many Blah folks running around here as it is.

Shak
100.

"Who Do You Tell Your Stories To?"

Who do you tell your fears?  Your wishes?  The embarrassing crap that you'd soon forget buuuuut someone has to know.  lol  Who do you tell your daydreams?  One of my favorite things in the world is to daydream, seriously.  I trust my daydreams in the hearts of my friends.  A lot of mine are about success like when Oprah interviews us or when a magazine writes an article about us, photoshoots....  Sitting in the director's chair, MY director's chair on MY set.  Smiling and working with the crew and talent.  Of people not thinking that I'm a Director because of my stature and being even more surprised when they realize I'm a beast.  lol (sidebar: I'm so sincere about all of the above. ;) )  

I think daydreaming totally gets a bad rap.  Growing up, adults always make it seem or even say that daydreamers are listless, lazy, unfocused blah blah blah.  I love to daydream and over the past few years have allowed myself to do it more often.  Everyday in fact.  I find my vision has gotten stronger and I know more about myself.  Daydreaming isn't for suckers it's for... da-da-dada-dah... dreamers.  It's for people who change the world and invent stuff.  People who see life differently and want to make it different.  The fact is that daydreaming is actually the breeding ground for innovation, growth and success.  How else do people who are doing their "in the meantime/keep the bills paid" jobs keep sane while they go after their passion in their off time?  The cool thing about it is that when I share my daydreams I get to see them more clearly.  It's easier to put something into action when you can see what IT really is.  Sharing my stories with others helps to fuel my vision and feed my passion.  Through the practice I am able to articulate what I see in my mind's eye more effectively.  I dream amazingly big and I feel bad for people who think that it's too much because somewhere someone told them that daydreaming was for losers and they believed it.

100.

Bright

I'm Inspired By: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

An email to a friend...

I think life is a bit like magic and we’re all magicians if we learn to harness our power. Some people see things and then they convince the world that it exists. In that sense nothing is really impossible, even though you’ll have to go through hell to prove it to the world. That’s the main reason why I liked the Alchemist. It wasn’t that he followed a dream job or career that’s already paved.

The Alchemist saw a vision (in a dream) and then he lived his life around that vision. And that’s the key…don’t live your life around how much money you’re going to make from your gig (although we all like money) or don’t think about the good looking girl you’ll get from balling out of control…live that dream because it moves your heart. And I truly believe all that other stuff will follow, but most important, you’ll feel alive for living your dream with passion. Of course what happened from day to day to the Alchemist didn’t obviously look like he was on the right path but he was moving towards his vision the whole time. This is where most of us, especially me, have been stuck, we can’t see how it’s going to unfold next so what do we do? We give up.

There’s this magic people can’t see behind a dream so they dismiss it as being luck driven, impossible or just not in the cards for them. They can’t see the random people who will join them on their mission to help them achieve their wildest dream. A person can’t see the waitress in the café that bumps his arm and spills coffee on his script only to have her reveal later that her father is a major movie director. But once you witness that magic, like once you look back and you see the blueprint for it in front of you, you can never go back to living the same-o-same-o (shak talk). I think when you see it; you learn how to turn rocks into gold like an Alchemist. But unlike the fictional story of the Alchemist, I wish I could tell folks how I know this to be true in real life, like prove it to them. It’s been my goal for ummmmm 8 years now.

Of course some folks think I’m crazy in light of what’s going on in the world and in the economy. How can I be this optimistic about the future when everything seems to be going to hell? But that actually proves my point. Poverty and the spread of disease in the world is created when people stop seeing, when they cease to live out their inner visions. Instead of relying on that inner vision, they rather live out someone else’s nightmare of sorts that doesn’t live up to their true potential, it’s fearful and mediocre at best which creates a world that looks bleak and desperate. In a way I guess it’s scary to know that we are all creators of our lives. Thinking about it can keep me up at night. But then I remember that I have another day to conqueror my fears, I eat some chocolate and realize that I need to RELAX!

Shak

100.

P.S. May you realize all of your dreams Eugene!!!

Victory over Trials

I found this excerpt below in my email this morning: Come get that inspiration!

The need to weather hard times is constantly part of our business and personal lives. Do you ever think of these hurdles in a positive light? The next time you are faced with opposition, instead of looking at it as a source of anxiety, view it as an opportunity! Can you apply what you have learned to other areas of your life? Will this experience make you stronger and wiser next time around? Sometimes the worst and most painful experiences are the ones that help us grow the most. Having a positive attitude can deflate even the scariest situation. Overcoming adversity can help you achieve the extraordinary!
 

This brings to mind my senior thesis for high school. We all had to type this paper in order to graduate that was at least 25 pages in length. But it wasn't typing a long paper that was the major victory in the end, it was the process of finding a computer to actually type the damn thing. I must have used about 5 different computers and typewriters (friends/library) in order to put the paper together. Can you imagine using a freakin' typewriter from the library? First I had to humble myself to ask to use other people's computers because I didn't have one. Second I had to coordinate crazy schedules in order to fit the timing of when they weren't using their own computer. Even though I got like a B-/C+ on the paper itself; I knew deep down that no one had gone to greater lengths to actually finish the paper. This is the thing about schools they only grade the finish product which is a BIG mistake. What about the process it takes to complete a project/paper?  We become who we are based on the grind, the actual work we put into the finished product.

That was the formative years 7th-12th grade that molded me into a certified grinder. I didn't have much of the same resources as some of my peers, but I knew there was always a way. I ended up typing 25 pages straight at my homies house, started at 6pm and finished at 6am...dropped the paper off in my P.J.s. I think some of my teachers always thought that I wasn't giving enough or that I half-assed things and didn't use my full potential. Perhaps they were right in some cases. But sometimes we can't see behind the scenes. I had to get it done whenever, however I could...which is something that comes from having your back against the wall. You either figure out a way or you fold.

The problem in life is Comfort is a luxury most of us CAN'T afford. Most of us never see opportunities because we're waiting for the perfect package that seems easy, something we can readily handle in our present situation. Opportunities are usually laced with difficulties, the unexpected and require us to grow and to stretch. I didn't get an A on the paper, but I learned that I only need the will and the desire to act on that will to make it happen, and the rest will take care of itself. If I would have waited for my own computer, I would have been waiting until I was a senior at USC, when I bought my own. I made through highschool and all through College using probably around 50 computers in total to complete all my assignments. And while I'm not a master by no means on the computer, I do consider myself masterful at gettin' ish done by all means possible.

P.S. For one week, try cooking without a microwave, or try catching the bus/catching rides with friends, or set a small weekly allowance for a week and stick to it, if you blow it all in one day living the life...improvise. Creativity and Flexibility are usually born out of trials and limitations. Who knows what you might create along the way.

Shak

100.

I’M SO UNREASONABLE…

I think parents often want their child to pick a “stable” career that brings home “stable” income that will provide for a “stable” life. But what if I would rather live life as an adventure? I’ve never subscribed to the philosophy that I should just be satisfied with a “good” job that pays “good” benefits. What if that job doesn’t fill my soul? I can’t remember who said it, but there was this dude who said something like, “everyone should just go home from work until they figured out what it is they really wanted to do”. Now of course if you have a family to provide for that may seem very foolish and totally unfeasible. But is living a life of total regret and unhappiness a more reasonable aim? I’m convinced the hardest thing to do in this lifetime is to truly follow one’s heart. How can that be?

Well, that’s easy to figure out. We’re all told from the time we’re born that certain things in life are “impossible” or “improbable”. If you think I’m stretching that a bit, go ahead and tell one of your dearest friends that you’re about to start your own business or that you’re going to drop 25 lbs in 6 months. I’ll tell you what’s going to happen because I’ve actually tried both. A few of your friends will tell you good luck, a few others will tell you how difficult and improbable your goals are and the rest will tell you nothing. It is the silence that often kills dreams not the voices of dissent. I spent years waiting for cheerleaders to show up at the sidelines of my dream. But guess what? They never appeared not from my family or friends. So I stopped talking about my dreams and goals.

Crazily enough, in 2008 it hit me. I realized that the reason no one appeared at my side with pom-poms and cheers was because I had not entered the arena yet. Fans cheer on the players: the ones who have committed for better or worse to their dream. On Jan 3rd 2008 I realized I wanted to become a major player. Hell, I really wasn’t even certain of what game I wanted to play in the beginning, but I just put my head down and started working…well actually running. I wanted to do something totally creative that sparked my inner passion. Players acknowledge that they want to play in the game first and foremost which means that they proclaim this is who I am and this is what I’m about to do. You can’t “kinda” play, it’s all or nothing. And when players fall short of making a play they don’t blame it on the weather or their lack of playing time, they acknowledge their shortcomings and build.

In 08 when I decided to pursue acting it was the first time I didn’t tell anyone of my secret ambition. I just decided to train relentlessly, either taking a class or running the hills of Palos Verdes. And this time, I didn’t need any cheerleaders to help me figure out if I was good enough or talented enough or pretty enough to enter the arena. All I needed was a hunger to play. And I figure now that I’m in the game, I might as well try to score and I’m playing to win. But what I didn’t know then that I know now is that being a player is in itself a major victory. I’ll never be amongst the crowd who talks down on the game, who belittles the game because they were too afraid to put on a uniform and enter the arena. At rehearsal last night, one of the other actresses talked about how she overcame stage fright, how she couldn’t sleep before performances because deep down she knew that her opening lines either captured the audience or made them hit the snooze button. It was a quiet moment in which we were exchanging comforting words amongst performers. It was in that moment that I realized, wait a second, I’m about to hit the stage for the first time, I’m acting baby. That’s all right…I’m finally entering the arena this September and that’s got to be worth at least like a million dollars.

I’m a beast.

Shak

100.

I'm Inspired By: Tyler Perry

Here's my response to CNN's article on Tyler Perry.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/07/23/bia.tyler.perry/index.html

The lesson here is simple:

Those who create and retain ownership (Think Cash Money & George Lucas) are those who win. Therefore, struggle if we must, but by all means keep our content. It’s like u said Bright, we gotta keep the right to our MASTERS.

I love how he says the critics are missing the point about his messages. I’m sure the majority of middle to upper class Black America turns their noses when they hear about Perry’s success. But shouldn’t a film maker be able to create whatever his little heart desires? I mean damn, why is that Black film makers always have this pressure to create master pieces that break earth-shattering boundaries? Give me a break, a film should be enjoyable, and looking at his box-office receipts…his audience tends to think so.

But I really love this dude because he’s a maverick. He’s a modern day Mary Poppins giving his audience doses of inspiration hidden behind comedy and common stereotypes found in the black community. I hate to say it but when you look at the Great Debaters (dope movie btw), and you look at the box office numbers; the proof is in the pudding. In large, Black folks did not go out to see that movie. Why? Well some may argue the Debater’s theme about integrating blacks into higher academia might be a bit overbearing. But it’s an important message right? So what does a black film maker who wants to convey an important message do? This is where other brilliant artists like Kanye West succeed and many others fail. In large people go to the movies to laugh, to be moved to tears and to escape life’s REAL PROBLEMS. It’s the art of sugar coating the medicine that allows some artists to disguise their hidden agenda of giving us the “Message” without us ever noticing it. Remember these lyrics, “They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus. That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes. But if I talk about God my record won't get played Huh?” LOL, Only Ye can stick it to the radio heads and make them play a song mentioning God. It’s not that great messages can’t prevail in today’s society; it’s simply that they can’t be explicit in nature. Hasn’t it always been that way? The message is always in the details, look closely and you’ll find them there. Whoever thinks Star Wars is about space ships and battles in other star systems is WRONG.

But for today, I’m smiling because an ordinary dude with big dreams becomes the first owner of a black film studio, not a USC Film Grad or a major Hollywood producer. Just proves our point even further. It’s not skill, it’s not genius that guarantees success in this lifetime; but rather sheer determination and the BELIEF that one can do it. T-Perry, I see you boy!

Shak

100.

May the force be with yall.

My Dream Interpreted...Just Do It!

Ok so I'm not a total nutcase but I had one of those dreams that made me evaluate my current situation. It was the type of dream which I couldn't tell if I was sleeping or awake. So I did the next best thing...I had it interpreted by the dream girl, Rachel. She's quite good and with the cost of Free .99 it's not like I had anything to lose. I will have to warn you though, make sure you're prepared for the results. This dream resulted in one message: Start Living the Life of Your Dreams!

http://freedreaminterpreter.blogspot.com/2009/06/dream-about-earthquake-skyscraper.html

P.S. Don't judge me!

Shak

100.

Brilliance

I spoke with a friend the other day who is about to graduate from school regarding he plans for the future. THE FUTURE. She was thinking of spending a few years becoming acclimated with her back up plan and then going after her third choice of attending law school and only after completing that trying her hand at her true passion of becoming a journalist for a magazine. I asked why and she responded that it seemed like the most responsible thing to do. She could begin to get income in arenas where there was a route already laid before, it was all very a + b = c. Her passion’s route was a bit more vague or hazy in what the actual starting point would be or when exactly she would begin to gain fruit from her labor. Here’s the thing, she’s in her early 20’s with every possibility at her fingertips. She has the time and the energy to go after her passion, not now but right now. She can sustain a few bumps and bruises along the way in the vein of a learning curve with little to no long term impact; no mortgage, no husband, no kids. Why wouldn’t now be the most opportune time?

It reminded me of the convo Shak and I had earlier this week. She asked me if I felt I had more trouble with my vision or faith in my vision. I thought about it for a sec, “my faith”, I said. She thought it was the same and wondered why and what I thought that was holding me back. I think it’s that I worry that people won’t understand the stories I’m trying to tell. What if they don’t get it? She told me I was worrying about the “how” and that was basically futile. Then she asked me if there were any projects I had that I was really connected to.

I said, "Yeah, but I have to make my visions fit my means. I don't have the $$$ to produce those works." "Once again," she said, "you're worried about the wrong thing. Write the scripts and the $, equipment, and the WAY will present itself."

Geez, even after writing it again I feel so silly. I spend time visualizing, intending, being in my head where I see myself. Having the gratitude for attaining all of that I envision but my faith still sucks and I had no idea. I moved out here with pure certainty that things would be fine. There was no, and there still isn't, expiration date for attaining and accomplishing all. I'm afraid of what..I'm not sure. But that fear definitely exists because if it didn't my faith would be stronger. After telling Shak of the script that was the first story I knew through and through pretty much, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I even came up with another plot point. Dope. "Leaps of Faith" is on my vision board and I feel like I haven't taken one in a while. Faith is the belief in the unknown, it's coming to the ledge and believeing you'll sprout wings on the way down. hahahaha It's real, though. "A risk worth taking" is also on my board. Great risk only produces great results. These things I know in my head, they add up. My heart on the other hand is pounding inside of my chest. I know the greatness within continues to seep out and soon it will completely engulf me even as i traverse new heights. You cannot unring a bell, as the saying goes. You cannot profess to be great, be great and then decide wholeheartedly to be mediocre. It just doesn't work like that. To do that means certain death of your spirit. The thing about it is that certain way, that is who you now are. Really, it's just being who you were the whole time anyway. Are you afraid of your own brilliance?

100.

Bright